Essay Contest

Sponsors

The Texas A&M University–Central Texas University Library and University Writing Center are sponsoring the Warrior Civic Engagement Essay Contest for the Central Texas area! Democracy is our right to make decisions together as citizens and voters. This process shapes American identity, and you are an important part of this process!

While it may be tempting to think on just a national or state level, remember that local plans can greatly impact the people in your area, too. Individuals can actively help shape their communities, and many national and state endeavors have their origins in local efforts.

Consider the community around you. How do you, or others in your community, contribute to change for the good of the people? For this contest, your task will be to imagine creating a new project to benefit your community. Begin by thinking about how individuals and programs already contribute to improving your community. Offer a new program or activity that can build on this existing work to solve a problem or fill a need not currently being addressed. You should explain why the problem is important, offer a detailed—yet short—summary of your project, and describe how the new project will benefit others.

Your essay should be 500-1,000 words. Take your time to create a well-organized essay that provides enough detail and is clearly written. Make sure that your readers gain a clear sense of the problem, understand how your project would be implemented, and are persuaded of the positive impact the project would have. The rubric provided offers more precise criteria.

The first-prize essay winner will receive a grant of $500.00. The runner-up will receive a grant of $300.00, and the third-place essay writer will receive a grant of $200.00. Take advantage of this opportunity to impact your community while gaining valuable resources for your college education!